Some regulations for charter boats (UPV) and their operators

They have different regulations than those for recreational vessels.

The below items are not new regulations, they have been in place for many years.

A UPV is a commercial passenger carrying vessel when they have 1 or more for-hire passengers aboard. On passenger carrying vessels there are only two types of people aboard, Passengers or Crew. UPVs are limited to a max of 6 Passengers.

A commercial passenger vessel that is greater then 5 net tons must be documented with "coastwise" endorsement. How do I know if I need to be documented?

You must have Type 1 life jackets (only 2 sizes: adult or child) for all aboard. They must have reflective tape on them and also have water lights.

Captain & crew that do safety sensative duties must be enrolled in a drug program, have had a Pre-employment Drug Test (or a waiver), Drug & Alcohol Background Check done, and have had your company's Employee Assistance Program presented to them that includes your company's Drug & Alcohol Policy. To assist you in these items you can click here.

If you ever have an accident, you need to know if it is just a marine incident or a serious marine incident. A serious marine incident requires you & your crew to have a DOT approved alcohol test done within 2 hours of the incident and a chemical test (urine) for drugs within 32 hours of the incident.

You also need to have the latest: paper chart of your area of operation and either paper or electronic copies of: Coast Pilot, Light list, local notice to mariners, tide table, current tables.